The organizers of the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, announced yesterday that more than 1,700 athletes and artists have now registered to participate in the quadrennial sports & cultural event next July and August. Participants from more than 30 nations have already signed up including many from Eastern European countries where many who are openly gay or lesbian are still persecuted. Participation by the host country Germany leads all other nations with registrations from the United States and The Netherlands following close behind.
“Registrations have increased substantially in the last few months,” said Annette Wachter, CEO of Games Cologne. “Summer LGBT sports programs in North America and Europe have helped drive registrations from the USA, Canada and Europe. The approach of the southern hemisphere’s summer has also increased registrations from Australia and South Africa. We are on target to have participation levels of 8,000 to 10,000 next July and August in Cologne.” Two sports – golf and sailing – are nearing capacity. There are 34 sports and 4 cultural events being offered at the event.
Gay Games VIII runs from July 31 to August 7, 2010, and will open with an inspiring Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the city’s football (soccer) stadium. Up to 48,000 people are expected at the Opening Ceremony according to Andrea Müller, head of the Games Cologne Ceremony & Culture Task Force. Entertainment has not yet been announced but past Gay Games performers have included Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Kylie Minogue, Erasure’s Andy Bell and Heather Small.
Australian Olympic platform diving gold medallist Matthew Mitcham supports Gay Games 2010 and encourages Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best. Matthew Mitcham won the gold medal in men’s platform diving at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scoring the highest marks ever in platform diving. Matthew Mitcham is 21 years old, resides in Sydney, Australia, and continues competing in diving events while preparing for the 2012 Olympics. Mitcham was one of two Out (openly gay) male athletes at the Beijing Olympics.
You may order printed documents, or download electronic ones to be sent to your teams or players. Banners, logos, postcards, brochures, and business cards are available, plus 1-sheets for many sports and cultural programs.
As part of the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, the international Federation of Gay Games has launched a new program to help member organizations participate in Gay Games VIII. The FGG is offering a financial incentive to existing FGG member organisations in the form of a membership rebate.